Preston Rumbaugh is a veteran blues, roots and rockabilly musician who's played with Scotty Moore, Dale Watson, Lucinda Williams, Ronnie Hawkins, Robert "Bilbo" Walker, Big George Brock and many more. Don't miss him at JJF!

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094063880947

Everyone knew Beverly Davis as a child knew that she was destined to do something great. Beverly Davis is a native of Memphis, TN. Beverly was an outstanding student in high school in academics and as an athlete. As a top student in her senior year, she won a competition for outstanding academic student and was selected to represent her high school doing a competition at the University of Memphis with college students in Advance Typing. Due to her outstanding achievements in her senior year, Beverly was guaranteed employment with the Fire Department in the interrogation division immediately upon her graduation. At the age 16, Beverly performed her first debut at her church when asked by the Pastor’s wife (the first lady) to sing, “Just One Day in Paradise”. Beverly received a standing ovation. As a result of this performance, Beverly realized that singing was something that she wanted to pursue as a profession. Beverly start singing at a young age traveling with her mother. Her mother song with several gospel groups, the church choir, and the 100 voices of Memphis, TN. Beverly has now recorded and performed on many professional platforms such as showcases, theater, studio recordings, film, radio, television, festivals and with world known artists. Beverly’s vocal range is phenomenal, and she sings various styles of music such as: blues, hill country blues, jazz, gospel and R & B blues. Beverly is a vocalist, composer, producer and plays guitar and lite on keys.

http://beverlydavisaccounting.com/artists/beverly-davis/

Frank Rimmer earned the money for his first guitar at age 11 years old by going to the Cotton Fields, and has been performing since age 14. . He still has the Guitar named Stella to this day. He founded his own Band Called "Exception To The Rule another band called Super Soul Sonic. Which consisted of Big Pete, {City Council} - Friends of Glen Harris. Some of their Big Influences were Earth-Wind & Fire; Motown; Isley Brothers. Frank has played with Magic Slim, and his father, Magic slim, Sr.

https://www.facebook.com/guitarrimmer

Some claim to have "grown up in the blues," but Stud Ford actually did it. As the grandson of Greenville, Mississippi, blues legend T-Model Ford, Stud played many a late night drumming behind the self-proclaimed "Taledragger" at juke joints like Red's Lounge. Will Coppage also hails from Greenville, Mississippi.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0qh8wz6HNo

Earnest Roy, Jr. was born on September 25th, 1958 in Clarksdale, Mississippi under the watchful eye of his father, guitarist Earnest Roy, Sr., who worked with Jackie Brinston, Ike Turner, John Lee Hooker, Wade Walton, Raymond Hill and many of the other Clarksdale bluesmen. Earnest's father taught him bass guitar at five, and when Earnest turned eight, he began playing in his father's band, Earnest Roy and the Clarksdale Rockers, whose members included Big Jack Johnson. From 1993 to 2001, Earnest played for the international televangelist and pastor Rod Parsley, whose ministry aired on 320 nations around the world. In 2001, Earnest "Guitar" Roy returned to his blues roots when he began touring and appearing at blues and jazz festivals with Sam Carr. Earnest's most recent CD is Going Down to Clarksdale from 2011.

https://www.facebook.com/EarnestGuitarRoyClarksdaleMs/

One of Mississippi's hidden treasures: a contemporary hill country bluesman, lifelong resident of Pontotoc, who has created his own distinctive version of the harp-blowing, guitar-grooving one-man band. Although he's long past the dues-paying stage, Bean has played with some of the most important bluesmen to come out of Mississippi in the past two decades.

http://www.hillcountryharmonica.com/terry_bean.html

The older sister of recording artist Paul "Wine" Jones, Miss Australia "Honey Bee" Jones is Mississippi's only 80-year-old guitar-playing, blues-singing woman currently playing the festival circuit. She learned guitar from her father, taught her brother to play, moved north for a career as a crane operator at a steel plant, before finally moving back to Mississippi to play blues in her retirement.

https://thedeltareview.com/black-history/australia-jones-honeybee-neal-a-powerful-new-female-voice-in-the-mississippi-blues/

One of the most authentic bluesmen alive—Duck Hill, Mississippi's legendary blues recording artist Little Willie Farmer.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Willie_Farmer

In the world of Mississippi blues and folk art, you won't find much better than Mr. James "Super Chikan" Johnson. He is the man. His "live" shows are legendary for their originality and energy. Whether he's playing his signature B.C. Rich guitar or one of his homemade gas can "Chikan-tars," you'll know that good times have entered the building after the first three notes. Winner of the Governor's Award for Excellence in the arts, Chikan recently released his 4th and perhaps best CD, "Chikan Supe." He's been all over the world, but this weekend he's back in town.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eqi_j5Glmtc

Baptized in the fire water of Clarksdale, MS., Sean “Bad” Apple began his spiritual journey of learning the blues by seeking out the old blues musicians that were willing to share their years of knowledge. Sean is working hard to keep Hill Country Blues alive and well. People are always in for a good show and never leave disappointed when the Bad Apple is on the stage

http://seanbadapple.com

One of the most culturally important bluesmen on earth today, Jimmy "Duck" Holmes is both a Grammy-nominated musician and a legendary juke joint owner. Born in 1947, his family opened the Blues Front Cafe in 1948. He was also featured on a U.S. Postal stamp representing Mississippi in 2017. Duck has been playing JJF for years, and we love him! You will, too.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_%22Duck%22_Holmes

A conversation on how African traditions shaped the Blues, featuring the Rising Star Fife and Drum Band, Cotton Patch Soul Blues artists and scholars of West and Central African music.

Ricky L. “Brotha Ric” Patton, Sr. was born in Swancott, AL. and raised in Triana, AL. He is the grandson of the bluesman and whiskey man, “Paper Thomas Patton“. As a youngster Ric grew up around his Uncle Johnnie Rice. Johnnie was a hobo,ex-con and harmonica player who loved drinking bootleg whiskey. Uncle Johnnie would often stick his harmonica soaked in whiskey in Lil Ric’s mouth causing it to burn and Ric would find himself blowing and drawing (aka blowing and sucking) on the harmonica. This was the beginning of Ric’s life as a guitar and harmonica player.

https://alabamabluesman.com/biography

A panel of Delta musicians, radio personalities and cultural leaders - featuring radio manager and announcer Kerry Lee, Delta Blues Museum tour manager Maie Smith and blues artists Studd Ford and Ms. Australia Honeybee, among others - discuss the place of Blues in the Black community today.

Terry "Big T" Williams came up under "Mr. Johnnie" Billington's watch before graduating to "Big Jack" Johnson's band, The Jelly Roll Kings, The Stone Gas Band and his own Big T & the Family band. A favorite of big clubs and juke joints alike, Big T is a man to watch on guitar

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhNmLuk-AMU

An open invitation for community members to step into the conversation and share their perspectives on Gospel, Blues, and Southern Soul music.

Damn Fine Blues! Original & classic delta blues featuring slide guitar and soulful vocals. A blues gumbo repertoire that can conjure up the ghosts of highway 61 & the delta blues experience. Austin Walkin’ Cane is a blues singer, songwriter and slide guitarist that performs acoustic solo, duo & electric band sets. Austin Walkin’ Cane has toured Australia, Nepal, Colombia, France, Germany, England, Wales, and the US, from New Orleans, Louisiana to Juneau, Alaska with only a guitar & suitcase in hand.

https://walkincane.com/

Shy Perry has been exposed to music her entire life. Coming from a musical family, Shy Perry has a 20 year career singing, playing bass keyboard, modeling, and dancing. She has traveled across the United States and to Europe and South America performing. Shy Perry won R&B/Soul Artist of the Year at the 2019 Josie Music Awards. Shy is a vocalist, keyboardist and songwriter. She was up for three Josie Awards, including R&B/Soul Vocalist of the Year and Female Album of the Year for “Brand New Day,” her third solo release.

https://www.msdeltablues.com/billhowlnmaddperry

Roosevelt "Piano Redd" Harper was born in 1940 in Clarksdale, he started playing piano in the mid-1950s. Through the decades, he's played piano and keyboard behind a who's who of local musicians, and he is a regular at Juke Joint Festival.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevelikens/8659521710/

One of Mississippi's hidden treasures: a contemporary hill country bluesman, lifelong resident of Pontotoc, who has created his own distinctive version of the harp-blowing, guitar-grooving one-man band. Although he's long past the dues-paying stage, Bean has played with some of the most important bluesmen to come out of Mississippi in the past two decades.

http://www.hillcountryharmonica.com/terry_bean.html

Damn Fine Blues! Original & classic delta blues featuring slide guitar and soulful vocals. A blues gumbo repertoire that can conjure up the ghosts of highway 61 & the delta blues experience. Austin Walkin’ Cane is a blues singer, songwriter and slide guitarist that performs acoustic solo, duo & electric band sets. Austin Walkin’ Cane has toured Australia, Nepal, Colombia, France, Germany, England, Wales, and the US, from New Orleans, Louisiana to Juneau, Alaska with only a guitar & suitcase in hand.

https://walkincane.com/

Jay Kirgis He began playing harmonica at the age of 12. At 24, he began playing guitar and learning by listening to the music of Muddy Waters, Mississippi Fred McDowell, Jimmy Reed, etc. After moving to Mississippi in 1995, he started sharing stages with blues greats like R.L. Burnside, Sam Carr, Frank Frost and T-Model Ford.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063928724215&locale=et_EE

Steve Kolbus was influenced by the styles Pinetop Perkins, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, Bob Stroger, and Hubert Sumlin. Little Arthur Duncan, a great Chicago harpist, taught him to sing play and write music. His Clarksdale Blues Revue is a high energy Rockin Blues band that enjoys making people happy. Their live show is a high energy interactive show with lots of antics!

https://www.reverbnation.com/stevekolbusandtheclarksdalebluesrevue

Louisiana born Heater Crosse began singing as a child and later picked up the bass guitar. She learned to love the blues from Detroit/Arkansas Bluesman, St. Thomas Jenkins while living in Hot Springs, Arkansas then furthered her talent in Mississippi playing with Super Chikan & The Fighting Cocks, Stan Street and the Hambone Band, and Big T & The Family. Her robust style of blues and soul music is buttressed by the dynamic drumming of Lee Williams and cutting guitar of Walt Busby.

http://www.heathercrosse.com

The purpose of the Delta Blues Museum's Arts and Education Program is to continue the great musical tradition born in the Mississippi Delta: the Delta blues. The Arts and Education program teaches students to play music and keeps the history of the Delta blues alive. Students are taught to play the blues on the instrument or instruments of their choice.

https://www.deltabluesmuseum.org/education.aspx

He's been called "The Torchbearer of the Clarksdale Sound" with good reason. No other blues guitarist alive played with so many of the late-greats of the infamous Clarksdale blues scene. Anthony "Big A" Sherrod played in bands with Big Jack Johnson, Super Chikan, Big George Brock, Bilbo Walker, Wesley "Junebug" Jefferson, Michael "Dr. Mike" James, Josh "Razorblade" Stewart, Mr. Johnnie Billington and others (plus sat in with Buddy Guy's 1990s Clarksdale appearance). Today, he leads his own deeply-juke-joint blues trio: Big A & the Allstars, with Heather Crosse and Lee Williams. (PHOTO BY JEFF KONKEL.)

https://anthonybigasherrod.bandcamp.com/album/right-on-time

Ol’ Skool Revue (DMI 361) has an extensive repertoire that includes hits from the Blues, R&B, Soul, and Funk genres. Ol’ Skool Revue has performed at Hal & Mal’s (Jackson), Douglas Corner Cafe (Nashville), The International Blues Challenge (Memphis) and The Chicago Blues Festival.

https://www.deltastate.edu/business-aviation/delta-music-institute/bands

B4Y2K (DMI 363) performs hits from the 1990s and early 2000s. The band has performed at DSU Pig Pickin’, DSU Homecoming, Grammy Museum Mississippi, and Octoberfest.

https://www.deltastate.edu/business-aviation/delta-music-institute/bands/

Sadie Lamp is a mesmerizing duo act performing in the alternative jazz styles of fusing blues with pop genres , while keeping the standards interestingly alive. Their full slate touring ended them in Clarksdale, Mississippi performing to full house scheduled shows. In 2018 they took center stage at world famous Juke Joint Festival with their debut CD release party , then a show for Sunflower River Blues & Gospel Festival sponsored by the Clarksdale Blues Museum performing with the likes of the slide guitar master “Watermelon Slim," and then an astonishing show same year for the Deep Blues Festival. Currently Sadie Lamp is performing weekly scheduled shows as seen on CATHEAD’S MUSIC CALENDAR at cathead.biz , performing shows at Clarksdale's REDS LOUNGE on Thursdays at 5 pm with their new Happy Hour Blues Show and on Sundays weekly at The Third Street Bistro at 12:30pm. Sadie Lamp performs this show weekly as a black tie event with smooth and easy listening jazz while dining the bistros famous entree.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQnfQTQPg-ykXgaeURucvGw

A true blue legend of Chicago blues—who was born in Mississippi—John Primer has played with everyone who's anyone in the blues and taken home multiple awards. Don't miss his very special performances at Clarksdale's Juke Joint Festival! Also, be sure to buy his brand-new CD, "Grown in Mississippi."

https://www.johnprimerblues.com

Hi. I'm Randy "19th Street Red" Cohen. I play The Blues. The Mississippi Delta Blues is My specialty. T-Bone Walker was my First inspiration.

https://www.facebook.com/people/Randy-19th-Street-Red-Cohen/100064230600381/

Alice Hasen has one goal: explore the fiddle into parts unknown. Her five-piece “fiddle-powered groove band” is rooted in the Memphis heritage of funk and rock but frequently strays into pop, blues, and experimental territory. Radio Memphis called Hasen’s debut album, Violintro, "one of the most dynamic sounds out there." Alice Hasen & the Blaze has been featured in several Mid-South festivals, concert series and showcases, combining technical virtuosity with adventurous modern takes full of fun and passion.

https://www.alicehasen.com/

Delta Rising consists of a cast of world class Mississippi Delta musicians who either reside, or were born in the Mississippi Delta. A Delta Rising show takes the audience on an upbeat musical journey through the many genres of Delta music all inspired from the blues. From Mose Alison and Muddy Waters to Ike Turner and the Staples Singers are just a few of the artists represented in a Delta Rising show. The Delta Rising band consist of Jim "Fish" Michie on piano, Edna Nicole Luckett on vocals, "Big Mo" John Mohead on vocals and guitar, Alphonso Sanders on horns, Lina Beech of the HI Rhythm Section on guitar, D Michael Thorn on bass, Vince Barranco on drums and a host of celebrity guest performers like Alvin Youngblood Hart, James Super Chikan Johnson and Cary Hudson just to name a few. Audiences are always left wanting more of a Delta Rising show.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091818967412

Laura "Lala" Craig is a female blues artist whose rollicking path to the Delta landed her at the Crossroads of her passions for love and music, fulfilling her dream to become an entertainer and share her harmony with partner, Dino Musso.

https://lalacraig.com

Terry "Big T" Williams came up under "Mr. Johnnie" Billington's watch before graduating to "Big Jack" Johnson's band, The Jelly Roll Kings, The Stone Gas Band and his own Big T & the Family band. A favorite of big clubs and juke joints alike, Big T is a man to watch on guitar

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhNmLuk-AMU

To Be Announced

From Clarksdale, Mississippi, Cricket Edgeworth began playing piano at the age of five. Cricket has recorded with the likes of Sam Carr, Robert “Bilbo” Walker, and Chicago bluesman, Dave Riley. She has performed in numerous clubs and venues including Morgan Freeman’s Ground Zero and B. B. King’s historic Club Ebony located in Indianola, MS.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005116997713

Lucious Spiller was born in St.Louis, MO. At an early age, he discovered that God had blessed him with a special gift. His dad gave him a guitar when he was four. Immediately he was a natural, he started out playing in church. Lucious has performed with countless well known musicians to include Bo Diddly, Larry “Totsy” Davis, Albert King, Eddie Clearwater, Robert Cray. He has been opening act for such artists as the legendary Ritchie Havens’ Bobby “Blue” Bland and the infamous Tower of Power, Zach Brown, and many others. His music is an energized mix of new blues and old school injected with a contemporary edge. His songs are brought to vivid life by his unlimited energy.

https://www.facebook.com/BlueSpiller/

A Blues brother with soul running through his veins, Red is a passionate artist trailblazing through life on his own path to success. Originally From Douglasville, GA , Red’s true origin story lies in the Gospel music ringing through Calvary Baptist Church in rural Madison, GA. Adept and inherently talented from a young age, music was a cornerstone of his childhood. In his early teenage years he discovered the world of Blues and was instantly infatuated. Red draws his inspiration from the greatness of guitarists like Lightnin’ Hopkins and Luther “Georgia Boy” Johnson, as well as pianists like Otis Spann and Ray Charles. Combining their vintage sound with a modern flare and his smoky voice, Red and his stellar band known as the Head Hunters bring you soul, grit and a little bit of fire to give a taste of what it feels like to be at the mercy of the Cannonball.

http://www.cannonballred.com

John Krupa Project started in New Orleans, LA (and has recently relocated to Austin, TX) and play deep groove, blues-based rock'n'roll. John Krupa cut his teeth playing punk rock in Connecticut and Minneapolis, MN in the '90s and since then he's lived on the west coast and continued his journey into the deep south where the roots of American music– rock'n'roll, blues, and soul continue to influence and guide his sound. While focussing on writing and recording his original songs, he is not ashamed to wear his influences on his sleeves– Rolling Stones, Johnny Winter, The Faces, Allman Brothers Band, North Mississippi Hill Country Blues, Stax records style soul, Tony Joe White, Black Crowes, as well as proto-punk and garage bands like The Stooges, The Clash, MC5 and The Sonics. The sound that comes out is a product of the experiences lived.

https://johnkrupaproject.com/

From Clarksdale, Mississippi, Cricket Edgeworth began playing piano at the age of five. Cricket has recorded with the likes of Sam Carr, Robert “Bilbo” Walker, and Chicago bluesman, Dave Riley. She has performed in numerous clubs and venues including Morgan Freeman’s Ground Zero and B. B. King’s historic Club Ebony located in Indianola, MS.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005116997713

Lou Shields continues the tradition of American music with a solo-performance that pulls in styles of days-gone-by. Using his 1931 National Resonator Guitar accompanied by a unique front porch style of foot percussion and harmonica, he uses his voice as an extension of the past. Lou carries a full sound during live performances while sharing stories, thoughts and experiences with the audience. He has toured throughout the United States and Europe.

http://loushields.com

Lucious Spiller was born in St.Louis, MO. At an early age, he discovered that God had blessed him with a special gift. His dad gave him a guitar when he was four. Immediately he was a natural, he started out playing in church. Lucious has performed with countless well known musicians to include Bo Diddly, Larry “Totsy” Davis, Albert King, Eddie Clearwater, Robert Cray. He has been opening act for such artists as the legendary Ritchie Havens’ Bobby “Blue” Bland and the infamous Tower of Power, Zach Brown, and many others. His music is an energized mix of new blues and old school injected with a contemporary edge. His songs are brought to vivid life by his unlimited energy.

https://www.facebook.com/BlueSpiller/

I was born & raised in the South of France and at an early age I knew that I wanted to be in America fullfilling my dreams of being a professional musician. I made the big leap in the spring of 2001 and moved to Hollywood, CA with nothing but a guitar, a change of clothes and $200 in my pocket. Call it luck or fate but 3 weeks into my stay in the City of Angels I ran into Shooter Jennings and promptly joined his band Stargunn. The first two years in California saw my dreams coming true by meeting and playing with some of my childhood heroes (Waylon Jennings, Slash, Tom Morello and James Hetfield to name a few…) Since my early American beginnings, I’ve played guitar for the likes of Stoney LaRue, Billy Joe Shaver and Jack Ingram as band leader! In the past few years, I’ve expended my craft to singing, writing, recording & performing my own music both as Frenchie’s Blues Destroyers and more recently as Guitar Frenchie. To pursue my career as a solo artist, I’ve moved full time to Clarksdale, MS arguably the home of the Blues to continue pushing my boundaries, recognizing and respecting the tradition of the birthplace of America’s music!

https://www.facebook.com/guitarfrenchie/

Reverend Robert is known for his genuine conviction and honest delivery. His passion for the blues led him to the prewar blues style of Charley Patton, Robert Johnson, and other delta blues giants. Having immersed himself in their recordings, Reverend Robert emerged with an authentic feeling for the blues that is matched by his easy-going and artistic personality. Reverend Robert’s tasteful slide guitar playing garnered the attention of the National Slide Guitar Festival in North Carolina where he took first place in their competition in 2004. He has entertained audiences throughout the United States, Canada, the U.K., Europe, and India. In the past two decades he has developed his one-man blues show to incorporate the influences of jazz, ragtime, and swing, as well as Caribbean, Hawaiian, African and Indian music. The perfect combination of tradition and creative innovation, the Reverend’s music is at home on festival stages or in the street, in clubs or in the backyard. Its dance music played with a stomping beat and irresistible groove.

https://www.revrobert.com/

Stan Steet and friends play regularly at Hambone Gallery, 111 E. Second Street.

https://stanstreet.com/hambone-festival/

Side Street Steppers... Regulars at Juke Joint Festival. Masters of vintage music: early 20th century blues, jazz, country, jug band, ragtime, and more.

https://www.facebook.com/SideStreetSteppers/

It’s pre war blues, old school country, southern gospel and the history behind the music. John Ford assimilates the blues of the 1920’s and 30’s, the blues of Robert Johnson and Son House, a bit of 1940's country and a pinch of gospel rhythm, and comes up with his own brand of the roots experience. SPECIAL GUEST: Travis Page (young guitar player from Georgia in The Pages band).

https://johnfordblues.com/

Some folks play the blues while some write about it and present it as their own because it is. Ray Cashman is the latter. This guy is the real deal. His songs are on the radio around the world and his European show date list alone would be the envy of anybody looking to expand internationally. Growing up on the upper Texas coast, his music is referred to as gulf coast gumbo as it is made up of multiple regional influences both current and from the past. Cashman has had his music featured in NBC sitcom " Council Of Dads" and the movie " The Good House" starring Sigourney Weaver and Kevin Kline. Cashman's 2007 release Texassippi Stomp which featured Jimbo Mathus,(Squirrel Nut Zippers, Buddy Guy) was widely praised and placed on a number of critics year end best of lists for blues recordings. Cashman has toured England, Ireland, Holland, Belgium, France, Italy, Spain, Hungary and the USA from the Gulf Coast to Canada and sea to shining sea. Cashman has performed at such notable festivals as SXSW- TX, Swing Wespelaar- BE, Drijf in Blues festival- NL, King Biscuit Blues Festival - AR, Le Blues Autour Du Zinc- FR, Juke Joint Festival-MS, Lucca Blues Festival- IT, Deep Blues festival-MS. Cashman has released 9 full, studio albums with the latest being 2023 "Delta Sound" After living for over 20 years in music cities such as Austin and Nashville, Cashman resides in the birthplace of the Blues, Clarksdale, MS

https://raycashman.net/bio

Born in Sardis, Mississippi, Hal Reed has held residency in the Quad Cities/Iowa for over 30 years. During that time, he has performed countless blues shows throughout the state and volunteered to teach students across Iowa about the history of Blues music.

https://cibs.org/events-programs/iowa-blues-hall-of-fame/hal-reed/

BE is a multi instrumentalist from Miami Florida playing all styles of music from blues, soul, rock, jazz and more. For the past 3 years he has been traveling the country as a independent musician mainly spending his time in clarksdale learning the roots of the blues and backing up the local blues legends like Anthony “big a” Sherrod, Lala Craig, Lucious spiller, Terry “big t” Williams, Sean bad apple, Mississippi Marshal and more. This year at JJF he performs everything he has learned through the years by playing his favorite blues songs and some originals.

https://www.jukejointfestival.com

Laura "Lala" Craig is a female blues artist whose rollicking path to the Delta landed her at the Crossroads of her passions for love and music, fulfilling her dream to become an entertainer and share her harmony with partner, Dino Musso.

https://lalacraig.com

Omar Sharief Gordon has been playing the blues for 19 years here in Clarksdale Mississippi! He was in the newspaper with B.B King and performed with many other blues legends as well. I am the blues!

https://bluesfestivalguide.com/now-available-for-booking-omar-sharief-gordon-blues-lead-guitarist-from-clarksdale-ms/

North Mississippi Hill Country blues boogieman Lightnin' Malcolm (usually with his trusty sidekick Prayer Bailey on drums and second vocals) has been a fixture at juke joints like Red's Lounge (and yard parties like ol' RL Boyce used to throw) for years and years. He's also played on stage or in studio with everyone from Big George Brock and RL Boyce to Hubert Sumlin and CeDell Davis.

https://lightninmalcolm.com/home

The youngest guitar playing son of North Mississippi blues legend Junior Kimbrough keeps his father's "cotton patch soul blues" sounds alive at jukes, clubs and festivals throughout the South. Robert and his band are regulars at Juke Joint Festival, having played the annual event for years. Ask him about his latest CD.

https://robertkimbroughsr.com/

One of the most authentic bluesmen alive—Duck Hill, Mississippi's legendary blues recording artist Little Willie Farmer.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Willie_Farmer

Guitarist, Jesse Cotton Stone, is a Colorado-Born, American Highway-Raised, Blues Man. He began teaching himself to play blues guitar by ear, starting at the age of 11. And he's been pickin' his guts out all over the U.S. since 1994. Jesse has toured from Colorado to the Bayous of Southern Louisiana several times and has performed multiple shows at the King Biscuit Blues Festival in Helena, AR., the Juke Joint Festival and Deep Blues Festival in Clarksdale, Mississippi, not to mention Juke joints Road houses and other small venues throughout the region.

https://jessecottonstone.com/home

BIOGRAPHY OF EARL “GUITAR” WILLIAMS Known in and around his hometown of Bessemer, Al, Earl “Guitar” Williams is no stranger to blues or blues lovers. He is known for the electrifying sounds of his electric guitar, cigar box guitar, and harmonica. Earl also loves to sing. Earl discovered his talent and interest in music at the tender age of seven. He crafted his own guitar by using a cigar box, broomstick, and fishing cord, This marked the beginning of Earl’s musical career. By the time he reached the age of nine, Earl became a regular fixture on the porch of Mr. Henry “Gip” Gibson, which later became a well-known backyard juke joint in Bessemer AL. He considers his time spent at Mr. Gip’s place as where he “got his start.” Earl further honed his skills and began playing guitar with bands in and around the Birmingham area. Earl has done extensive travel around the “Chitlin Circuit” and played with various blues artists. He played multiple years with the blues artist Benny Latimore. In the year 2014, Earl was inducted in the Alabama Blues Hall of Fame as a Master Blues Artist. He is an established business owner and hair stylist by day, and a musician whenever the calling presents itself. Earl is the real deal!!

http://Facebook

Dutch businessman — and EXTREME music fan — Theo "Boogieman" Dasbach had a lifelong plan. Upon his retirement from a career that moved him from The Netherlands to New York City, he would settle in Memphis, TN, and bring his Holland-based hobby, the Rock 'N Roll Museum, with him. Then, he made a fateful pilgrimage to Clarksdale, MS — not the sleepy ghosttown he'd visited years before but the re- energized blues mecca of modern times. Shifting plans dramatically, he looked at a vintage downtown property and then next day put money down on what would soon become Clarksdale's fabulous Rock & Blues Museum.

https://theodasbach.com/

Ilana Katz Katz is a Blues and Appalachian fiddler, singer, songwriter, novelist, screenwriter, essayist, watercolor painter, apparel artist, longtime subway busker, and budding children’s book author who strives to bring good mojo wherever she goes.

https://www.ilanakatz.com

In the realm of music, where the echoes of the past harmonize with the beats of the present, emerges a figure who embodies both timelessness and timeliness. CRUZ The Dame, is a rising recording artist and songwriter whose work transcends genres, blending the rich essence of old soul with a fresh, contemporary sound. CRUZ's Vintage Music style is a testament to her artistry, seamlessly weaving together influences from gospel, blues, R&B, jazz, and pop. Her music evokes the nostalgia of classic tunes that once filled dance halls and jukeboxes while infusing it with her own unique flair and modern sensibility. Beyond her musical prowess, CRUZ exudes a magnetic presence, characterized by her signature Pin-Up Girl style and vibrant aesthetic palette. She effortlessly embodies seduction and sophistication, captivating audiences with her bold yet refined persona. CRUZ The Dame, the self-professed Southern Dame, embraces her multicultural background, using her music as a platform to bridge racial divides and celebrate diversity. Her lyrics resonate with passion and authenticity, reflecting her personal experiences and worldview. Critics praise CRUZ for her ability to revive the timeless essence of traditional Black American music (blues, gospel, rhythm and blues, doo-wop, rock and roll, soul, jazz, etc.), while infusing it with her own contemporary twist. With each performance, she captivates audiences of all ages, showcasing a depth of talent and charisma that transcends generations.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3wD6Wl4mI8

Bill Abel learned first hand from Delta blues legends of the likes of Paul “Wine" Jones, Cadillac John Nolden, T Model Ford, and Honey Boy Edwards. Bill plays a hard driving electrified country blues, a gritty unorthodox modern day juke joint sound, unique in its own. He has toured Europe and the United States headlining many festivals.

http://billabel.com

Alessandro Ponti & Da Bones Man. If you've never heard a pro Bones player before, you should definitely check out Da Bones Man. A true master of the art. Joined by Alessandro, a native of Milan Italy is a virtuoso on his acoustic guitar. It's amazing to hear someone from across the world who can play authentic Delta Blues.

https://rhythmbones.com/player-profiles/sepalla-randy/

Ryan Lee Crosby blends echoes of Mississippi, Mali, and India into songs that speak from—and to—the heart. Produced by Fat Possum's Bruce Watson, Crosby's latest "Winter Hill Blues" evokes the essence of Mississippi, refracted by influences of Indian slide guitar. The sound is forged from his life as a traveling musician and studies with Jimmy "Duck" Holmes and RL Boyce. “Of all traditions, what speaks to me most is the Bentonia blues,” Crosby relates. "It expresses all emotions: joy, sorrow and everything in between. The blues shows us how to have compassion for ourselves and others. Its lessons are endless.”

https://ryanleecrosby.com/video

New and classic blues brought to you from Ventura, California by Delta by the Beach. This lively quartet brings jumping blues, funky-swamp sounds and exhilarating dance grooves to the party. “Our feet are on the beach but our hearts are in Mississippi ”

http://www.deltabythebeach.com

Juke Joint Festival veterans Coyote Motel are a trailblazing force in modern blues, wedding deep traditions with psychedelia on their four albums and in their new, award-winning feature film, The River: A Songwriter’s Stories of the South. The band of 5 women and 2 men blend the influences of Junior Kimbrough, R.L.Burnside, and Jessie Mae Hemphill with Pink Floyd for a highly original approach to cosmic blues. Bandleader Ted Drozdowski was formerly the vocalist and guitarist of Scissormen, which played Bonnaroo, Cognac Blues Passions, and other prestigious festivals. Coyote Motel has a reputation for great, high-energy concerts, and their film—which was partly shot in Clarksdale—will go into distribution in mid 2025. Meanwhile, you can hear music and see the film’s trailer at CoyoteMotel.com

http://coyotemotel.com

From Philadelphia, Mississippi, blues musician Deejay Hustleman returns to Juke Joint Festival!

https://www.facebook.com/djhustleman

Angel "Cash" Ocasio, Jr., a prominent figure in Macon's music scene, leads Cash's Juke Joint, a powerhouse band delivering soul-stirring music. Rooted in Blues, Sacred Steel, Soul, Funk, and Rock, their groovy fusion captivates audiences. Hailing from Macon, GA, the band, comprised of seasoned musicians, boasts a rich history playing diverse venues. Cash's Juke Joint has shared stages with icons like Patti LaBelle, Jill Scott and The Legendary Wailers, showcasing their raw and uncut sound. Known for getting straight to the nitty-gritty, experiencing the dynamic vibes of Cash's Juke Joint live is a must for music enthusiasts.

http://cashsjukejoint.com

A Pre-War blues style guitarist and singer from Murfeesboro, TN, Bill Steber often fronts his own Hoodoo Men and sometimes accompanies other old-time acts like the Stoop Down Rounders. He is also a renowned blues photographer and Living Blues Magazine contributor.

https://www.thecountryblues.com/artist-reviews/bill-steber/

Brothers John (Vocals, Harmonica, Drums) and Ted Siegel (Vocals, Guitar) make up The Deltaz, a Blues Americana duo from Nashville, Tennesessee. The Deltaz have spent their hours rigorously touring, headlining shows across the country, regularly touring in Europe, while attracting the attention of sonic peers such as alt-country act The White Buffalo and Mississippi Blues legend Watermelon Slim, playing with both on several occasions The Deltaz have had their music placed on CMT and MTV television shows and most recently The Deltaz had their song "Wild Mustang" featured in a film directed by Edward James Olmos, "The Devil Has a Name", recorded as a duet with vocal rock legend Bonnie Bramlett (Eric Clapton, Leon Russell). Since The Deltaz have settled into Nashville they’ve become a staple in their neighborhood of Leipers Fork regularly performing at Fox & Locke and in 2021 at Franklin Tennessee’s Pilgrimage Festival.

https://thedeltaz.com/electronic-press-kit-epk

Little Joe McLerran and his family band. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Joe_McLerran Joe is known around the world as a master of the Piedmont guitar style. He will be joined by his unbelievably talented family which includes his 11 year old prodigy son, Johnny . Really something to hear and see.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Joe_McLerran

Layla Musselwhite is a New Orleans-based singer songwriter and slide guitarist who draws on a rich musical legacy via her father, blues legend Charlie Musselwhite. Layla grew up on the road steeped in the music of the greatest artists of our time including Muddy Waters, Howlin Wolf, Big Mama Thornton & John Lee Hooker. While her music spans rhythm & blues, blues rock, folk, and soul, the touchstone is always the same - a deep understanding and respect for the early rhythms and melodies at the heart of the blues.

https://www.laylamusselwhite.com/

Prayer Bailey is a Horn Lake, Mississippi-based blues singer and instrumentalist... and a return act to Juke Joint Festival.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557997229578

North Mississippi Hill Country blues boogieman Lightnin' Malcolm (usually with his trusty sidekick Prayer Bailey on drums and second vocals) has been a fixture at juke joints like Red's Lounge (and yard parties like ol' RL Boyce used to throw) for years and years. He's also played on stage or in studio with everyone from Big George Brock and RL Boyce to Hubert Sumlin and CeDell Davis.

https://lightninmalcolm.com/home

Lady Trucker is a multi-faceted artist whose voice, presence, and unique pizzazz has been mesmerizing audiences for decades throughout the American South – from music festivals to the Trail Ride Circuits and beyond. She casts a wide musical net and is equally seasoned singing Gospel from the Baptist Church she grew up in, commanding audience attention with her powerful renditions of North Mississippi Hill Country Blues, and leading bands with her searing versions of Chicago Blues standards. Starting at age 16, she began penning her own lyrics across many styles – including Zydeco – and hasn’t stopped since. Lady Trucker, born Peggy Sue Hemphill, is the 14th of 16 children born to sharecropper and sales associate Henry Lee Hemphill and Lizzie Maewhether Hemphill in Greenwood, MS. Peggy Sue’s upbringing was steeped in music including relative and Blues pioneer Sid Hemphill – first recorded by Alan Lomax in 1942. However, it was another of Peggy Sue’s renowned Blues cousins – artist Jessie Mae Hemphill – who recognized Peggy Sue’s sweet voice at age 3.

https://ladytrucker.site/about-lady-gigs/

Carlos Elliot Jr. ft. Bobby Gentilo have been rockin' the North Mississippi Hill Country blues for years at Juke Joint Festival. Carlos hails from the country of Colombia, and Bobby hails from the state of Pennsylvania. Don't miss it, y'all!

https://jamhotradiofm.com/blues-magic-with-bobby-gentilo-carlos-elliot/

The youngest son of R.L. Burnside, and member of the Junior Kimbrough Band, a passion for music and a talent for performance, Garry Burnside has been captivating since he was 11 years old. From intimate cafes to grand concert halls, Garry Burnside's versatility and range has left a lasting impression on all who have had the pleasure of hearing the music. I grew up playing in juke joints, and venues all over the world for my father, RL Burnside and Jr. Kimbrough. They taught me all of their blues licks and they taught me to take my music seriously. I moved to Ripley in 2019 and have been recording and writing all through the pandemic. I enjoy working with all kinds of musicians and writing my own brand of blues music.

https://garryburnsidemusic.com/

Duwayne has been immersed in music since birth, as the sound of his father and friends’ playing regularly filled the Burnside household. At 12, he began to play drums, occasionally supporting R.L. and performing in the bands at Junior Kimbrough’s juke joint in the fields outside of Holly Springs. By age 14, he’d switched to guitar and became a member of his father’s band just in time for the recording of Sound Machine Groove. At 15, he moved to Memphis to make his own way in the dynamic and vital blues scene that sprawls from the Bluff City to Mississippi’s hills and Delta. He ricocheted between Memphis and the Holly Springs area in subsequent decades, settling in his hometown once again in the early 2000s. Duwayne has also supplemented his career as a guitarist, singer, and bassist by operating a series of juke joints in Memphis, Chulahoma, and Holly Springs. Just this spring he opened the latest: the Burnside Bar and Grill at 645 North Highway 7 in Holly Springs.

https://www.facebook.com/duwayneburnsidemusic/

KENNY BROWN IS AN AMERICAN BLUES SLIDE GUITARIST SKILLED IN THE NORTH MISSISSIPPI HILL COUNTRY BLUES STYLE. He began hearing Otha Turner, Napolean Strickland and others who played at picnics across the road from his home at 7 years old. Brown apprenticed with Mississippi Joe Callicott, who moved in next door to his home in Nesbit, Mississippi, from age 12 to 15, when Callicott died. Around 1971 Brown began playing with two other musicians. Johnny Woods would make an occasional playing partner until his death in 1990. More steady was Brown's learning with R. L. Burnside, who claimed Brown as his “adopted son,” In the early seventies they started to perform in their region, and would keep up as a duo for thirty years sometimes joined with Calvin Jackson on drums. Cedric Burnside joined their tours from about 1994, as Burnside's reputation surged in the 1990s and early 2000s. Brown first appeared abroad in Sweden in 1989.

https://www.kennybrownmusic.com/

Trio is traveling into Clarkdsale from Wisconsin as part of a blues filming project based around Juke Joint Festival. Hear the play... and maybe end up in a movie!

Ghalia Volt is a force of nature who comes to Juke Joint Festival from New Orleans but originally hails from Belgium, where the blues bug bit early. After multiple visits to Mississippi and the American South in search of real-deal blues and roots musics, she moved here to join the scene. This year, she'll be featured as her amazing one-woman-blues-band. Be sure to ask about her latest CD and LP releases after her shows!

https://ghaliavolt.com

Lew Jetton learned The Blues the old fashioned way, in the cotton fields of his native West Tennessee in the 60s and 70s. Along the way, he had two of the best mentors one could have: in the 80s, the legendary Carl Perkins, and in the 90s, the one and only Chicago Blues Legend, Snooky Pryor. Lew Jetton is, indeed, the real deal. Along with his band, 61 South, they've appeared at festivals and other venues across the Midwest such as the prestigious Junk Join Festival in Clarksdale, MS and opened for music icons from Chuck Berry to the Queen of the Blues, the late Koko Taylor! Jetton is known for his powerful voice, fronting a tight combo with years of experience playing together at large festivals as well as roadhouses and honkey tonks! Jetton is endorsed by Warehouse Guitar Speakers and Hearthstone and Harper Guitars.

https://youtu.be/Vh2CEcO8T98?si=TB2_eKOxIo5SSOJL

The most talked about young, traditional Mississippi bluesman today has to be the one and only guitarist/singer/harmonica player Harrell "Young Rell" Davenport!

https://youngrell.com/

Janky is an Austin, TX singer/songwriter-bluesman on a mission to bring “good-time vibes” back to the blues. Janky is right at home busking on a street corner, playing a no-stage bar, or making a big venue feel like a juke joint. Janky focuses on The Hill Country Blues of North Mississippi made famous by R.L. Burnside and Mississippi Fred McDowell. This style of blues is always a crowd pleaser with its old gospel beats and percussive guitar riffs that make the crowd move. Janky was mentored in this Hill Country Blues style by the Texas blues great, Reverend KM Williams. Besides playing bass for the Reverend, Janky produced and recorded five of the Rev’s CDs and has toured all over with him.

https://getjanky.com

Joe Batterton and Mark Edwards are an acoustic blues duo from North Central Arkansas. Their sound is centered around the acoustic Delta Blues of the Arkansas and Mississippi Delta. Even their original songs have a grounded, organic feel to them reminiscent of a time long gone but somehow still very relevant. Their influences range from Robert Johnson and Mississippi John Hurt to Doc Watson which has allowed them to develop their own spin on the country blues. They recently won the Blues Challenge with the Ozark Blues Society of Northwest Arkansas.

https://www.battertonandedwards.com/press-kit

Earl “Little Joe” Ayers is a blues guitarist and singer based in Holly Springs, Mississippi. For over thirty years, he was a member of the Soul Blues Boys, Junior Kimbrough’s long-time backing band. Ayers was born in nearby Lamar and began performing at house parties in the area when he was 15. When asked what inspired him to begin playing the guitar, he replied, “It was something that other people weren’t doing.” He also saw the enjoyment that his second cousin, Lindsey Boga, and Junior Kimbrough derived from their musical pursuits, and “didn’t want to be left behind.” His son is musician Trenton Ayers.

https://mississippifolklife.org/exhibits/earl-little-joe-ayers-libby-rae-watson

Libby Rae Watson grew up in Mississippi a few blocks from the Gulf of Mexico. Not exactly the heart of the Delta and the delta blues, but just a few hours drive away. Captivated by the music, she became deeply involved with the Delta in the mid 1970's, searching, exploring, documenting, meeting and playing with all the blues artists she could find. People like Big Joe Williams, Furry Lewis, Johnny Woods, Eugene Powell, Son Thomas and many more. Legends and obscurities. It was her friendship with Hollandale’s Sam Chatmon that influenced her the most. They became fast friends from day one and remained that way until his death in 1983. Libby Rae has performed at many festivals over her career....the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, King Biscuit Festival, Juke Joint Festival in Clarksdale, Ms, The Mighty Mississippi River Festival in Greenville, Ms and The Sam Chatmon Festival in Hollandale, MS to name a few.

http://www.libbyrae.com

Clarksdale blues musician Otis “TCB” Taylor celebrates the release of his newest CD, "We Got Soul," during his JJF show!

https://www.facebook.com/otis.taylor.102/

RL SUPERBAD (AKA: Robin Lane ) is a Primitive, Experimental Mississippi Blues Man, based from the North Missisippi Hill Country Blues genre with a mixture of Delta, Chicago, Rock, String Band....which equals Alien KonTraFusion. He is a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, song writer/story teller, One Man Band and instrument builder (Low N Slow Creations). Born early 60s August 2 in Topeka, KS. With no musical background from family or friends, RL didn't begin playing until 2009, a year after coming to Clarksdale, MS for a weekend in early 2008. There he heard and met Robert "Wolfman" Belfour who introduced him to North Mississippi Hill Country Blues, which changed his life forever. That same night he met Terry Harmonica Bean and Sean "Bad" Apple, both of whom frequently played in Clarksdale juke joints. RL worked with his good friend Tater on the latter's CD titled "SUPERBAD", which was released 11/20/10. Unfortunately, Tater had passed at 63 years old on 9/10/10. To get him a Sidewalk Plaque, RL raised funds by hosting Tater's Memorial Birthday Bash at Club 2000, as well as Jams at Cat Head, Juke Joint Festival and other downtown venues. In 2011 RL played his first JJF and since has played at Sunflower Blues Festival, King Biscuit Blues Fest, Deep Blues Fest, Memphis in May, KnobFest, Huntsville Cigar Box Guitar Fest, Clarksdale Cigar Box Guitar Fest, Nashville Cigar Box Guitar Festival , Ozark Cigar Box Guitar Festival, Buddy Guy's in Chicago, and all over the streets of Clarksdale. Having shared the stage with Robert Belfour, T Model Ford, Sean Apple and Big Boy Martin Grant, Mr. Tater, Liz Mandeville, Bill Abel, Maurice Vaughan, John Long, Reverend Robert, SpoonMan, Ray Cashman, Watermelon Slim, Deak Harp, Rhode Island Red, Reverend KM Williams and various others, RL is currently playing with Mason Stevens (AKA Mason JARrr Stevens) as a duo.

https://artistecard.com/RLSUPERBADANDKonTraFusion

Singer-songwriter, blues diva and leader of the band!

https://www.facebook.com/soulhoneymusic/

BIOGRAPHY OF EARL “GUITAR” WILLIAMS Known in and around his hometown of Bessemer, Al, Earl “Guitar” Williams is no stranger to blues or blues lovers. He is known for the electrifying sounds of his electric guitar, cigar box guitar, and harmonica. Earl also loves to sing. Earl discovered his talent and interest in music at the tender age of seven. He crafted his own guitar by using a cigar box, broomstick, and fishing cord, This marked the beginning of Earl’s musical career. By the time he reached the age of nine, Earl became a regular fixture on the porch of Mr. Henry “Gip” Gibson, which later became a well-known backyard juke joint in Bessemer AL. He considers his time spent at Mr. Gip’s place as where he “got his start.” Earl further honed his skills and began playing guitar with bands in and around the Birmingham area. Earl has done extensive travel around the “Chitlin Circuit” and played with various blues artists. He played multiple years with the blues artist Benny Latimore. In the year 2014, Earl was inducted in the Alabama Blues Hall of Fame as a Master Blues Artist. He is an established business owner and hair stylist by day, and a musician whenever the calling presents itself. Earl is the real deal!!

http://Facebook

Chris and Sharde Thomas Mallory are the dynamic duo behind the Rising Stars Fife and Drum. In recent years, the band has grown into a worldwide brand and monumental Blues history sensation. The mixture of old school songs with fresh funky beats is bound to keep the young and old on their feet? The Rising Stars have played some of the best venues in the USA including the Lincoln Center(NYC), the Ryman(Nashville), and countless festivals around the world including France, Switzerland, and the U.K.

http://linktr.ee/fifeanddrum

Lady Trucker is a multi-faceted artist whose voice, presence, and unique pizzazz has been mesmerizing audiences for decades throughout the American South – from music festivals to the Trail Ride Circuits and beyond. She casts a wide musical net and is equally seasoned singing Gospel from the Baptist Church she grew up in, commanding audience attention with her powerful renditions of North Mississippi Hill Country Blues, and leading bands with her searing versions of Chicago Blues standards. Starting at age 16, she began penning her own lyrics across many styles – including Zydeco – and hasn’t stopped since. Lady Trucker, born Peggy Sue Hemphill, is the 14th of 16 children born to sharecropper and sales associate Henry Lee Hemphill and Lizzie Maewhether Hemphill in Greenwood, MS. Peggy Sue’s upbringing was steeped in music including relative and Blues pioneer Sid Hemphill – first recorded by Alan Lomax in 1942. However, it was another of Peggy Sue’s renowned Blues cousins – artist Jessie Mae Hemphill – who recognized Peggy Sue’s sweet voice at age 3.

https://ladytrucker.site/about-lady-gigs/

John Lowe has played Juke Joint Festival for two decades. He also owns a cool music/book shop called Xanadu in Memphis. As for his musical style? Well... let's just say it's "Johnny Lowebow style"! He plays his homemade instruments in ways you simply have to see/hear to believe...

https://www.cigarboxguitar.com/knowledge-base/johnny-lowebow-john-lowe/